Diesel particulate filters began appearing on cars between 2005 and 2008, in order to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards, and although it didn’t become a legal requirement to meet Euro 5 emissions levels until 2008, many large engine diesel cars and 4×4 vehicles had them fitted well in advance of the deadline, whilst smaller engine cars, were able to avoid fitting them until a much later date.
All Nissan Qashqai’s with 2.0 litre diesel engines were fitted with DPF systems from design, this means that every 2.0 Diesel Qashqai will have a Diesel Particulate Filter fitted, and it would be impossible to find one without, at least not legally.
However the smaller 1.5dci engine, designed by Renault meet the original EU5 emissions from design, and so they were able to avoid fitting a DPF until 2010.
So if you are looking to avoid the DPF problems associated with Nissan Qashqai’s then the safest bet would be to buy a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCI Manufactured between 2008 and April 2010 as these will not have particulate filters fitted.
If you are considering buying a used Nissan Qashqai bear in mind that the DPF is considered a consumable item which will need to be replaced routinely once it reaches it’s end of life as part of a service interval. Particulate Filters have a life cycle of between 90k and 120k miles, but may need to be replaced far sooner (depending on how many short journeys the previous owner made, and their driving style). So if buying a high mileage Nissan which has a DPF, it is worth budgeting for the fact that the higher the mileage, the higher the risk of having to spend between £1000 and £1500 to have the DPF replaced.